TheThe Scouter Scouter Newsletter of the Blue Ridge Council, BSA
Newsletter of the Blue Ridge Council, BSA
In this issue of Summertime
The Scouter: June 2018 June
• Upcoming Training
• COI Staff Reunion (Last Day!) Scouting!
• Cub Events
• Scout Night
• Program Kick-off
• Merit Badge Counselor
• Commissioners Corner
• NOESA and Alumnus of the Year
• Scouting in Action
• Cub Korner/Safety Moments
• Camp Old Indian
• Week of Summer Camp for $130?!
• Friends of Scouting The Scouter Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America of America Scouts Boy Council, Ridge Blue The Scouter • Greenville Scout Shop
• And more!
CouncilCouncil Updates Updates
June 2018
4 Camp Maintenance: Old Indian, White Pines, Carroll Brown
9 2018 COI Staff Reunion
10 - 16 National Youth Leadership Training
10 - 16 Camp Old Indian Staff Week
11 Camp Maintenance: Old Indian, White Pines, Carroll Brown
11 - 15 Long Cane/Oconee/Saluda River District Cub Scout Day Camps
17 - 23 COI Summer Camp Week 1!!!
19 - 22 OA Brotherhood Induction/Ordeal Call -out/Ordeal Week 1 Scouting in the Blue Ridge Council is
18 - 22 Foothills/Reedy Falls/6&20 growing! We are happy to announce that District Cub Scout Day Camps membership growth is being achieved
24 - 30 COI Summer Camp Week 2!!! across the Blue Ridge Districts.
26 - 29 OA Brotherhood Induction/Ordeal Call Congratulations to the Southbounder -out/Ordeal Week 2 District for growth in Scouts, and to the
25 - 29 Pickens/Southbounder Districts Reedy Falls, Long Cane, and Saluda River Cub Scout Day Camps Districts for growth in Scouts and Units!
26 - July 8 BRC Philmont Expedition We at the Blue Ridge Council would like
27 OA Lodge Cookout (Camp Old Indian) to give a huge thank you to our Leaders
and volunteers for making this possible. Growth in Scouting! 2018 Council Calendar Venturing News Upcoming Training Updated Youth Protection Training
The BSA has announced bold, wide-ranging updates to its Youth Protection program as part of an ongoing effort to protect young people from child abuse. This starts with an enhanced online Youth Protection training course all volunteers and professionals must complete. Even those Scout leaders who took the previous version of Youth Protection training must log into My.Scouting.org and complete the updated Youth Protection course. You have until Oct. 1, 2018.
The updated course will cover topics like bullying, neglect, exposure to violence, physical and emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse. As of June 1, 2018, all adults who will be present at a Scouting activity for 72 hours or more must register as volunteers and complete a background check and Youth Protection training. This includes parents, merit badge counselors and any other adult who will be there for an extended time.
The BSA is serious about fighting child abuse, and you’re an important part of that fight. Thanks for your vigilance and dedication. Find Out More About The Online Youth Protection Training
National Youth Leadership Training National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is a week long experience conducted by the Blue Ridge Council to provide each Scout with a meaningful experience that will enhance their role and responsibilities as a leader. This years NYLT will take place at the brand new Fluor Training and High Adventure Base at Camp Old Indian! NYLT integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of the Scouting Experience. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audiovisual support, NYLT participants engage in a unified approach to leadership that gives the skills and confidence to lead. June 10th - 15th, 2018 Register Today For Your Training Merit Badge University Staff Reunion (Last Day!) Camp Old Indian Staff Reunion
ATTENTION STAFF ALUMNI! Today is the final day to register for the 2018 Staff Reunion! Sign up today and join the fun! June 9th, 2018 @ Camp Old Indian Price: $10 (Includes Lunch) REGISTER HERE
Wood Badge September 14-16, 2018 October 12-14, 2018 Every Scout deserves a trained leader! Wood Badge has been developed for all Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scouting and Venturing leaders as a well as council and district leaders. Who should attend? YOU should attend! Wood Badge continues today as the gold standard for leadership training in Scouting. Do you want your unit to operate more effectively? Is it important for you to know how to work well with parents and leaders? Would you like to experience first- hand what it takes to operate a boy- led troop? Wood Badge is designed to provide you with those experiences and much, MUCH more. Register Today!
Camp Old Indian Cub Events Cub Scout Day Camp
Are you ready for another great week of Scouting? We are happy to release the dates and locations of this year’s Day Camps. The volunteers are hard at work to make this year’s Day Camps the best yet! Cub Scout Day Camp is for youth entering 1st - 5th Grade in Fall 2018. Enjoy a fun filled week with archery, BB’s, crafts, field games, and much more! The earlier you register, the more you save!
Not a Cub Scout yet? No problem! Contact [email protected] at our council office about our bundle program. We can’t wait to see you there!
- Day Camp Supply List (Recommended)-
Get Signed-Up Today or Scan Here!
Cub Scout & Webelos Resident Camp July 21-23rd, 2018 Camp Old Indian
Join us for all of the adventure at Camp Old Indian as your Scout experiences the great outdoors with a western twist. The program activities and facilities can’t be beat. Our camp provides a variety of programs and facilities to match your unit’s needs and desires. BB guns, archery, swimming, crafts, hiking and special events are all part of the camping experience. So round up your pack and join the fun! Lasso Your Spot Today! Camp Old Indian
Scout Night
Merit Badge University Program Kick-off
Announcing our 2018 Program Kickoff on Thursday, July 26, 5:30pm at Marathon Church in Powdersville! There is no cost to attend and dinner will be provided. At the kickoff, you'll have the opportunity to visit booths and talk to the leadership of some of our great Council events and programs including Lions, Full Family Inclusion, Camp Old Indian, Cub Parent weekends and many more. Each District will have a booth for you learn more about the great 2019 programs in your District!
Our popcorn training will directly follow the Program Kickoff at 7:00pm
The Scoutreach Division gives special leadership and emphasis to urban and rural Scouting programs. Scoutreach is the BSA’s commitment to making sure that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances, neighborhood, or ethnic background. Today, young people are faced with many challenges including fragile families and disintegrating neighborhoods. The YMCA in Anderson holds a Scoutreach division and these Scouts had a blast learning useful skills like first aid and how to set up camp!
Family Friends of Scouting Merit Badge Counselor Are you a Blue Ridge Council Merit Badge Counselor or have aspirations to be one? Well, here’s what you need to know! Every merit badge counselor must:
1. Register with the BRC as a merit badge counselor for every merit badge that you counsel even if you are already registered for another position in Scouting. 2. Renew your registration yearly whether you are attached to a troop or not. If attached to a troop, do it at re-chartering time. Traci Bridwell is your contact for this! - [email protected] 3. Take Youth Protection Training YPT renewable every two years. 4. Seek Merit Badge Counselor training available on-line or through the BRC Scouting University. For the full article and list of resources CLICK HERE!
Update on Program for Older Girls
The National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America has confirmed a scheduled February 1, 2019 launch date for the program to serve girls, ages 11-17. This timing is intended to align with the programmatic timeline so that girls who join Cub Scouts in 2018 and will have earned their Arrow of Light are able to cross over to a troop to continue their Scouting journey. The Board also approved the option of a linked troop structure that would allow existing boy troops and future girl troops the opportunity to be linked through a shared COR and troop committee. Check Out The FAQs Here
OrderThe of the Scouter Arrow Newsletter of the Blue Ridge Council, BSA
Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge #185
Arrowmen! Our next Lodge event is just around the corner! Our Lodge Cookout will be at Camp Old Indian on Wednesday, June 27th. The cookout will take place in the Activity Building, and check-in will begin at 5. All attendees should wear their full Class A uniform with sash. Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge's annual Vigil Callout will immediately follow the Lodge Cookout in the amphitheater. This is a great opportunity to recognize and show your support for your fellow Brothers who have given back to our Lodge as they receive this great honor. Just as a reminder to everyone, we will NOT be accepting walk-ups this year. This means you will have to register and pay before or have an all access pass. As always if there is anything we can do to help please reach out to us you can reach all of us at our emails on the lodge website AKK185.org. WWW, 2017-2018 Atta Kulla Kulla Lodge Officers
Register for the OA Lodge Cook-out Here!
The Blood Connection will also be at Camp Old Indian on Wednesday, June 27th from 3pm to 7pm. We need YOUR to help save precious lives and all donors will receive a $10 Chick-fil-a gift card! Walk-ups are welcome or you can make your appointment for the Blood Drive HERE! Family Friends of Scouting Commissioner Corner
NEW SOUTHERN REGION AREA 5 COMMISSIONER SELECTED
The Southern Region of the Boy Scouts of America is comprised of 86 councils in 13 states from South Carolina to Texas. Area 5 of the Southern Region is made up of 10 councils including five councils in SC (Blue Ridge, Palmetto, Pee Dee Area, Indian Waters, Coastal Carolina), one council that is in both GA and SC (Georgia-Carolina), and four councils in NC (Daniel Boone, Piedmont, Mecklenburg, Central North Carolina). The Area Commissioner position was created in late 2007 to support councils in the areas of membership, unit charter renewal, and training in support of commissioner service. The creation of this position and the Regional Commissioner position put the familiar “Key 3” in place at all levels of the BSA organization. At the May 24, 2018 Southern Region Business Meeting held during the BSA National Annual Meeting in Dallas, TX, Blue Ridge Council Commissioner Dr. James H. Blake was appointed to serve as the Area 5 Commissioner. James is the first Blue Ridge Scouter to serve
(Dr. James H. Blake) as Area Commissioner. Now in his 30th year in Scouting, James will complete his fifth and final year as Council Commissioner for the Blue Ridge Council in early December. He previously served the council as Deputy Council Commissioner, Assistant Council Commissioner, OA Lodge Associate Adviser to the Secretary/Treasurer and as the OA LodgeMaster Database Administrator. He also served on the Council’s 100th Anniversary National Leadership Team and assisted with BALOO Training. In the Oconee District he served as District Commissioner, Training Committee Chair, Unit Commissioner, District Webmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 235, and Cubmaster of Pack 235. James was a Philmont Contingent Advisor in 2001 and a Northern Tier Contingent Advisor in 2002 with Troop 235. In 2011, James became the Blue Ridge Council Representative on the Doctoral Review Board of the Piedmont-Appalachian College of Commissioner Science and in 2012 became Chairman of the Doctoral Candidate Review Board for the College. James received the James E. West Fellowship Award in 2016, Distinguished Commissioner Service Award and the Doctorate of Commissioner Science Knot Award in 2013, and the Silver Beaver Award from the Blue Ridge Council in 2009. From the Oconee District he has been awarded the District Award of Merit, Commissioner of the Year, and Cubmaster of the Year. He has also received the Cub Scouter Award, Cubmaster Award, Scouter’s Training Award, District Committee Key, Commissioner Arrowhead Honor, Commissioner’s Key, and the William D. Boyce New Unit Organizer Award. He is Woodbadge trained (SR-234) and received his Doctorate of Commissioner Science Degree in 2010 from the Piedmont-Appalachian College of Commissioner Science. James’ Scouting family heritage dates back to 1922 when his great-grandfather, Arthur Parsons “Cap” Ezell, chartered Troop 15 in the Choccolocco Council in Anniston, AL. “Cap” was in the very first class of Silver Beaver recipients with his Silver Beaver certificate being signed on December 15, 1931 and presented on January 11, 1932. James’ grandfather, James Wilson “Easy” Ezell, was too young to join his father as a member of Troop 15 in April of 1922 but just two months later joined the Troop and became an Eagle Scout in 1930. “Easy” served as a Committeeman for Troop 15 in AL and as Scoutmaster of Troop 115 in the Middle Tennessee Council in Columbia, TN. James’ mother, Carolyn Lucille Ezell Blake, served as a Den Mother for James in Pack 102 in Columbia, TN. James was later a member of Troop 350 in Columbia, TN. James and his wife Becky have two children - Brandon, a 2004 Eagle Scout in Troop 235, graduated from Clemson University in 2008 and lives in Clemson with his wife and three children; Caitlin, who earned her BS degree from Southern Wesleyan University in 2011 and an MS degree from Winthrop University in 2014, now teaches first grade in Gastonia, NC. The family Scouting legacy will hopefully continue into the sixth generation in a row when James’ grandchildren, Tillman Everett Blake, Elise Leona Blake, and Barrett James Blake are old enough to join the Lions program. Camp Old Indian NOESA and Alumnus of the Year
Nominations are being accepted for the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award and the BSA Council Alumnus of the Year Award First, every year, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) recognizes outstanding Eagle Scouts across America with the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA). This prestigious recognition is for Eagle Scouts who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their profession, community and / or avocation. NESA defines avocation as an activity including, but not limited to, athletics, hobbies, collecting, outdoor adventure, and record-setting activities. All NOESA recipients must be Eagle Scouts in good standing with the Boy Scouts of America and must either be registered with or have their primary residence within the boundaries of the nominating council. Each recipient’s actions and accomplishments should elevate the stature of Eagle Scouts in the public eye, and each recipient shall be held to the standards set forth in the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and national BSA standards for membership. While the selection of NOESA recipients is a local council function, the nominees and reason for granting their recognition is confirmed by the National Eagle Scout Association. The award may not be granted posthumously. No length of time is required to have passed since earning the Eagle Scout rank. Recipients of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award may not receive the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. The Blue Ridge Council’s prior recipients of the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award include: Tim Hunt, Ed Patton, Robert Rainey, Vic Shelburne, Reverend David Surrett, Charlie Warlick, Chip Stockman, Tom Ervin, and Mickey Stokes To nominate a deserving Eagle Scout, download the Nomination Form and complete sections 1, 2 and 4. Provide a separate at- tachment describing the nominee’s professional, community and / or avocational achievements, and submit at least one para- graph summarizing why you consider the nominee to be outstanding and/or distinctive. (NOESA URL - http://www.nesa.org/atf/ cf/%7B36763F02-217C-488B-9B8B-E6189599245B%7D/NOESA%20NOMINATION%20FORM11.14.17.PDF)
Second, the Boy Scouts of America Council Alumnus of the Year Award is the Scouting Alumni Association’s highest council recognition. The award was established to recognize alumni of the Boy Scouts of America who, over a sustained period of time, have used the skills and values they learned through their association with Scouting to make significant and long-lasting contri- butions to their local communities through their careers, avocations, and Scouting. A BSA alumnus includes anyone positively and personally impacted by the BSA— former Scouts, family members of Scouts past and present, community leaders, and the millions of Americans who benefit from Scouting in their communities every day.
The Blue Ridge Council’s prior recipients of the BSA Council Alumnus of the Year Award include Russell Smart and King Dixon. To make a nomination, please complete the following form: https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/alumni/pdf/542- 963_WB.pdf
All nominations must be received by Wednesday, August 1st, 2018, and submitted to: [email protected] OR Michael Prachar Nominations Committee 1 Park Plaza Greenville, SC 29607 Merit Badge University Scouting in Action
Troop 519 2018 Silver Antelope
The Silver Antelope Award, created in 1942, is the regional-level distinguished award of the Boy Scouts of America, acting through the The Blue Ridge Council would like to give a huge shout out to National Court of Honor. Recipients of Troop 519 for their hard work with Camp Cards! The Scouts in this award are registered Scouters of Troop 519 have sold 1,260 Camp Cards as of April 10th, and are on track to exceed their 1,500 card goal. exceptional character in their region to recognize their distinguished Joshua Smith is the top seller with 400 cards sold to date. Joshua’s favorite place to sell his cards is at the Bi-Lo service to youth. The Blue Ridge grocery store near his home. Joshua has been able to pay for all Council is proud to announce the next his Scouting activities through the commissions he has earned recipient of the Silver Antelope Award, selling Camp Cards and Trails-end Popcorn. This summer he is Robbie Hill! planning on attending two weeks at Camp Old Indian and is thinking of attending a Jamboree in the future. Aiden and Josiah Mackey team up to sell their cards at stores near their home. Aiden has sold 290 cards and has been able to pay for most of his Philmont trip with his Camp Card and Trails -end Popcorn sales. Aiden’s brother Josiah has sold 180 cards and will be going to Camp Old Indian this summer. Two other Scouts, Andrew and David Figueroa have sold 100 cards each and will be attending Camp Old Indian for at least one week this summer and possibly two at this rate. Congratulations once again Troop 519!
“Basically, I have 5 highly motivated scouts who have a goal in mind. Three Robbie Hill was recently honored as are wanting to use the money for summer camp, one is going to Philmont this the Eagle Scout Class Honoree for the year, and our top seller is going to camp for two weeks this year and wants to 2017 Eagle Scout Class. His biography go to the next Jamboree. Oh, and promising them I’d go backpacking with the troop if they sold 1,000 cards each got them motivated too. I guess they like to can be found in the Council Banquet see me suffer. =)” Program below. - Sue Broadwater, Troop 519. Banquet Program
Family Friends of Scouting Cub Korner and Safety Moments The “Cub Korner” Safety Moments Safety Moments are exactly what the name
implies: opportunities to prepare for an • Long-term camp experiences are an excellent activity, review safety measures, and report way to cement your relationship with your child incidents correctly. Topics of this new series include incident reporting helps, to stay truly connected to the Scouting high-adventure safety, weather-related safety, movement. These camps make a HUGE summer activity, and campout checklist. difference!!! Learn About All Of Them Here • The Council Day Camp Staff will meet on Transporting Scouts Safely Wednesday, May 16th at the Council Service Center. Summer is coming fast!
• Cub "Kabinet" will meet next on Wednesday, August 29th, 2018 at the BRC Service Center to discuss Cub Scout Planning. RSVP to the contact information below.
• Exciting plans and events coming up! Ideas, Driving can be one of the most dangerous needs, and information request are always forms of travel. Motor vehicle accidents can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities— welcome. Please feel free to contact our Cub not only for the driver but for passengers Scout Vice-President at... and others on the road. Motor vehicle accidents typically produce the most
frequent and severe liability claims affecting [email protected] the Scouting family. or Learn More About Transporting Scouts Safely Here (864)710-3152
On May 1, 2017, the Blue Ridge Council moved to 100% online advancements. New Member Coordinator Position Learn more HERE Sustaining strong membership in a unit depends on engaging youth and their families in a welcoming manner. If you are interested in serving as a New Member Coordinator or for more information click HERE! Camp Old Indian Camp Old Indian
Join us for a week of Adventure at Camp Old Indian! With over 80 merit badge opportunities, and more coming this summer, Camp Old Indian provides Scouts with a traditional camp experience while also offering high adventure activities! Check out the new Callahan Mountain Adventure for your Exploration Merit
Badge! For more information contact [email protected].
• 2018 Leaders Guide
• 2018 Camp Registration Form
• 2018 Camp Staff Application
• 2018 Summer Camp Menu
• Smoke Signals
• Brian Merriman Memorial Youth Campership
• 2017 Summer Camp Photos
NEW Exploration Merit Badge
The history, the importance, and real-life Exploration is what you’ll experience as you earn the brand new Exploration Merit Badge on your trek through the Callahan Mountain Adventure. Exploration Merit Badge Requirements
Callahan Mountain Adventure Program Lone Adventure Program Have you ever wanted to take a step back in time? Scouts will have the chance to experience numerous If a Scout in your Troop can not attend opportunities in the Callahan Mountain Adventure! camp during your week, they can attend Black Powder Shooting, Tomahawk and Knife Marksmanship, camp with another Troop!! Don’t miss out Survival Training, Hiking, Climbing and Rappelling, and earn on the fun! the brand new Exploration Merit Badge!
Only $280 per Scout (Limited 18 Scouts per Week) For More Information Contact [email protected]! Contact [email protected] for more info
Trail Crew Program
Want to go to summer Camp at Old Indian for ONLY $130!? Here’s how! Camp Old Indian Trail Crew Program
Week 1 (June 17 - 23) & Week 2 (June 24 - 30)
• 2 1/2 Days of Trail Building
• 2 1/2 Days of Program - Black Powder Shooting, Tomahawk and Knife marksmanship, Climbing and rappelling. Cost is only $130 for the FIRST 10 Scouts to sign-up each week. All others are $180 (Only 18 spots available per week) For more information contact [email protected]
Trails End Popcorn is 50% Off!!
Trails End popcorn is now 50% off at the Council Service Center! Call ( 864) 233-8363 or visit and get yours today! PLUS we have Clemson and USC Day hats and tins! For More Information Contact : [email protected] Family Friends of Scouting Friends of Scouting
Friends of Scouting is our annual fundraising campaign that supports our Scouts and adult leaders. Funds not only help 2018 FOS Patches with financial assistance for our Scouts and families but also go to our great programs at Camp Old Indian! In order for us to continue the excellence you expect out of Scouting, we need your help. Our goal is 100% participation. We are kicking off our 2018 Friends of Scouting Campaign and we hope you will join us! You can donate to the 2018 FOS funds below. Friends Of Scouting
As a thank you, anyone who gives at least $25 per month to Your gift will make a difference. The Blue Scouting will be given a Clemson Ridge Council serves thousands of youth or South Carolina patch for your child’s uniform! and adult volunteers in 8 counties
asdf throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. Get your patch for this great year of Carolina sports! Living their lives by the Scout Oath and Law, these individuals know the value of duty to God, Country, and helping other people at all times. Through our Chartered Partners and under the leadership of a diversity of adult volunteers, Scouts are trained to be the leaders of tomorrow. Ask yourself this question. What does the Scout Slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily”, mean to you? Your gift to Scouting is your Good Turn that will enable Scouts today and, tomorrow the opportunity to continue to do their good turn for America. The Power To Shape The Future ….Is You. Greenville Scout Shop Greenville Scout Shop
Have you checked out The Greenville Scout Shop yet? It's packed full of great stuff that you'll need for your Summer of Scouting! Stuff like tents, handbooks, the NEW Camp Chef cooking line, and did we mention Leatherman knives and multi-tools.....plus a ton of other items to help you BE PREPARED! Make sure to grab your Thorlo Socks during this Limited Time Offer: April 30th - June 17th!
(BSA Employees, including Camp Staff, can combine this promotion with their employee discount!)
Greenville Scout Shop
1 Park Plaza Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: 864-288-1560 Fax: 864-288-1614 Email: [email protected]
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Closed Sunday Scout Shop Site Venturing News 2018 Executive Committee
2018 Executive Committee Officers
The Blue Ridge Council would not be able to do so many amazing things for the youth in our community without the help of so many great volunteers and leaders. Below you will find the Executive Committee Officers for the 2018 Council year. President Mac McLean
Commissioner Dr. James Blake
VP-Administration VP-District Operations VP-Cub Scouting Harry Bolick Mickey Stokes David Surrett
VP-Finance VP-Membership Growth VP-Program Dannie Newell Matthew Delk Fred Hyslop
VP-Exploring VP-Outdoor Adventures VP-Endowment Capt. J. H. Thompson Russell Cann Bruce White
VP-Facilities VP-Risk Management VP-Development Everett Baker Robin Foster Dave Brenner
Treasurer Lee Dixon Asst. Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Bubba Fennell JB Garrett Legal Counsel Lindsay Smith Carl Muller
National Council Representatives King Dixon Dr. Bill Dukes
Immediate Past President/Board Dev. Chair Michael Thompson Audit Committee Chair NESA/Alumni Chair Russell Smart Phillip Kilgore Scout Executive Mike Butler